The blaze was found in the basement of a home in the 1300 block of Northeast Holland Street at 7:30 p.m. What sparked the fire is still under investigation, but Portland Fire Battalion Chief Tom Williams said clothes found hanging near a water heater could have been the cause.

The man was transported to Providence Medical Center due to smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning. His identity has not been released, pending notification of his next of kin.

Firefighters were able to locate the man's three cats and two dogs alive. Damages are estimated to be around $10,000.